Roses petals grown by Humanist Officiant Gemma James-Smith in Bayfield, Huron County, Ontario.

Personal, heartfelt, inclusive ceremonies to mark life’s most transformative moments.

Serving Bayfield, Ontario and the Huron County area.

Basic Legal Ceremony
$275.00

Paperwork Only: The bare minimum requirements in a local, cozy setting of your choosing. A great choice for couples who are marrying abroad or who want absolutely zero frills.

Includes a free initial consultation and mailing of documents to the Registrar General of Ontario.

Please Note: A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve the date and time of your ceremony.


Travel within 60 km of officiant's home is included. Travel outside of area
may add an additional charge of .65 per km to and from the officiant's home. ​We’ll talk about it.

Weddings held on December 24th, 25th, 31st or January 1st are subject to an additional $150 fee.


​Ceremony Start Time and Delays: The ceremony start time is agreed upon in advance of the wedding day. In the event of a delay of more than 45 minutes, the officiant reserves the right to shorten the ceremony and/or reschedule to another time
with an additional charge of $100.00

Wedding Officiant Services

Standard Ceremony & Elopements
$400.00

For those wishing to keep their non-religious wedding ceremony simple and straightforward but still full of beauty and heart.

This includes a free initial consultation plus two meetings to discuss requirements, the choice of two prepared ceremonies, with options for some personalization. As well, I will officiate the ceremony, solemnize the marriage, and mail the documents to the Registrar General of Ontario.

Please Note: A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve the date and time of your ceremony.


Travel within 60 km of officiant's home is included. Travel outside of area
may add an additional charge of .65 per km to and from the officiant's home. ​We’ll talk about it.

Weddings held on December 24th, 25th, 31st or January 1st are subject to an additional $150 fee.


​Ceremony Start Time and Delays: The ceremony start time is agreed upon in advance of the wedding day. In the event of a delay of more than 45 minutes, the officiant reserves the right to shorten the ceremony and/or reschedule to another time
with an additional charge of $100.00

Personalized Wedding Ceremony
$500.00

The most popular choice for couples looking for a non-religious ceremony that reflects who they are and how they inhabit the world. I’ll collaborate with you to find the words and the vibe that suit you both, building a strong foundation for your celebration.

This includes a free initial consultation plus two additional meetings to discuss your requirements and to personalize service. As well, I’ll provide ceremony samples, templates, and alternate wordings, along with readings tailored just for you. At your request, I can provide guidance with writing vows. We can incorporate unity rituals and participation of guests. I will officiate the ceremony, solemnize the marriage​, and mail the legal documents to the Registrar General of Ontario. Attendance at rehearsal included.

Please Note: A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve the date and time of your ceremony.


Travel within 60 km of officiant's home is included. Travel outside of area
may add an additional charge of .65 per km to and from the officiant's home. ​We’ll talk about it.

 

Weddings held on December 24th, 25th, 31st or January 1st are subject to an additional $150 fee.


​Ceremony Start Time and Delays: The ceremony start time is agreed upon in advance of the wedding day. In the event of a delay of more than 45 minutes, the officiant reserves the right to shorten the ceremony and/or reschedule to another time
with an additional charge of $100.00

 

 



Other Ceremonies.

There are so many moments that we can elevate together.

  • "Gemma met with us before our wedding and gave us confidence and clarity about how the ceremony would unfold. She provided a beautifully written script that felt very personal and aligned with our values, and she was flexible when we asked for changes. On the day of our wedding, she was punctual, professional, and held the space with heartfelt grace. We couldn't be happier with our experience."

    Shannon L.

  • "Gemma was a lovely presence at our son’s wedding. She was highly professional and informed about the processes involved, both legal and personal. She was consultative, she listened, and she communicated clearly, graciously, and supportively, so that everyone was reassured that we were in good hands and that things would unfold smoothly. She brought dignity and charm to the occasion.”

    Elizabeth L.

Being able to help you celebrate life’s most profound moments brings me joy. My goal is that your non-religious ceremony reflects who you are, how you inhabit the world, and honours the depth and complexity of your relationships. I’ll work with you to find the words and sentiments that resonate most, while offering you options of non-religious rituals that might elevate and enrich your experience. I want to create an environment in which you can be relaxed and present, where you can focus on what you’re celebrating and make space for authentic emotions. 

 

I have a tremendous amount of experience in performance, writing, and co-ordinating, with my background being in the creative arts. Life has brought me to Bayfield, Ontario where I run a small-scale lavender farm that offers a seasonal place of peace to visitors with the intention being to unplug, and pay attention to the surroundings, offering oneself a space to mentally unwind. I have found a lot of peace through my Officiant Practice and study with Humanist Canada. To find out a bit more about what else I do, please check out Bayfield Lavender Farm.

Humanist Officiant Gemma James-Smith at Bayfield Lavender Farm in Bayfield, Ontario.